Pain Awareness Month
Understanding and support for those enduring chronic pain fosters empathy and drives advancements in treatment and care.
Position your healthcare, wellness, or pharmaceutical brand as a partner in chronic pain education and support during September to build trust and drive awareness campaigns.
- Share expert pain management tips and resources to educate your audience
- Highlight patient stories and testimonials from those managing chronic pain
- Partner with or donate to pain-focused nonprofits and publicize your commitment
- Host webinars or educational content on pain care advances and treatment options
The inaugural observance of Pain Awareness Month took place in 2001 when it was facilitated by a coalition of groups led by the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA). These groups gathered under an umbrella called Partners for Understanding Pain, including well-known organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), The American Cancer Society, The American Nurses Association and many others.
Organizers of Pain Awareness Month have not only offered different toolkits for observing the month, but they have also been involved in advocating politically for government support, such as The National Pain Care Policy of 2005.
The purpose behind Pain Awareness Month continues to be to foster conversation and promote public education around the topic of chronic pain, as well as providing information and increased access to treatment for chronic pain.
Get Educated About Pain
One excellent way to observe Pain Awareness Month for individuals, community members and healthcare professionals, is to continue to grow in knowledge and understanding of chronic pain and pain care management. This could start by reading some articles online to get more informed, perhaps with the resource provided by the US Pain Foundation or the US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Join a Chronic Pain Support Group
Those who experience chronic pain but have felt the need for more support might be interested in joining up online or with a local group of people that helps to show compassion and support to those who are living with chronic pain. Pain Awareness Month might be just the time to get involved and connected. The US Pain Foundation is one of many organizations that facilitates such groups, found with a quick online search.
Support a Pain Organization
Pain Awareness Month might be a good time to consider making a donation to a non-profit organization that helps people with support for their chronic pain or does research to find treatment for pain. Consider learning more about and supporting one of these: American Chronic Pain AssociationUS Pain Foundation Chronic Pain Research Alliance